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Apple Mac mini (M6) vs BOSGAME E2Air Mini PC Ryzen 5 3501U

Researched, not hands-on tested.How we review ›

all judged against mini PCs at a similar price

The Apple Mac mini (M6) scores 6.2/10 overall, ahead of the BOSGAME E2Air Mini PC Ryzen 5 3501U at 5.3/10.

The Apple Mac mini (M6) leads on CPU performance, networking, efficiency and noise, ports and expansion and build and support.

The BOSGAME E2Air Mini PC Ryzen 5 3501U leads on upgradeability.

The biggest difference is upgradeability, where the BOSGAME E2Air Mini PC Ryzen 5 3501U scores 6/10 to the Apple Mac mini (M6)'s 2/10.

Apple Mac mini (M6)

Apple Mac mini (M6)

6.2/10verdict: wait for deal

The Mac mini (M6) is for buyers who want a fast desktop with strong networking options and are happy with fixed memory. It suits people who can pick the right memory size at purchase and want 2.5Gb or 10Gb Ethernet plus Thunderbolt 4. It is a poor match for anyone who expects to upgrade RAM later.

Typically about £824 in the UK when we researched itCheck price at Amazon UK (opens in a new tab, affiliate link)

Affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Details

BOSGAME E2Air Mini PC, AMD Ryzen 5 3501U up to 3.7GHz, 8GB RAM 256GB SSD

BOSGAME E2Air Mini PC Ryzen 5 3501U

5.3/10verdict: wait for deal

The BOSGAME E2Air suits people who want a small, low-cost desktop for everyday programs, browsing and media. It also suits anyone who wants a basic second machine with several video outputs. It is not aimed at heavy virtualisation, fast networking or large local storage.

Typically about £179.99 in the UK when we researched itCheck price at Amazon UK (opens in a new tab, affiliate link)

Affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Details

Scores, criterion by criterion

CriterionWeightApple Mac mini (M6)BOSGAME E2Air Mini PC Ryzen 5 3501U
CPU performance25%8/106/10
Upgradeability20%2/106/10
Networking20%8/104/10
Efficiency and noise15%6/105/10
Ports and expansion10%7/105/10
Build and support10%6/105/10
Overall6.2/105.3/10

Specifications

SpecApple Mac mini (M6)BOSGAME E2Air Mini PC Ryzen 5 3501U
CPUApple M6, 12 cores (2 super, 4 performance, 6 efficiency), 12-core GPU, dual 16-core Neural EngineAMD Ryzen 5 3501U, 4 cores/8 threads, up to 3.7GHz boost, Radeon Vega 8 graphics at up to 1200MHz
Memory16GB unified memory8GB DDR4-2400, one SODIMM module preloaded
Storage256GB SSD256GB M.2 2280 SSD (SATA per manufacturer)
NetworkingApple N1 chip, Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), Bluetooth 6, Thread, 2.5Gb Ethernet configurable to 10Gb EthernetGigabit Ethernet (one RJ45 port), Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0
Maximum memory32GB32GB
PortsFront: two USB-C ports (USB 3, up to 10Gb/s), 3.5 mm headphone jack. Rear: 2.5Gb Ethernet, HDMI, three Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) portsTwo HDMI 2.0 ports (4K@60Hz), USB-C video output, Gigabit Ethernet, abundant USB ports (count not given)
Power drawMaximum continuous power 155W15W typical TDP (design figure, not a measured draw)

Strengths and weaknesses

Apple Mac mini (M6)

  • + 12-core M6 with 12-core GPU
  • + 2.5Gb Ethernet, configurable to 10Gb, plus Wi-Fi 7
  • + Three Thunderbolt 4 ports and HDMI
  • − Memory is onboard and not user-upgradeable
  • − Maximum memory is 32GB
  • − Warranty is 12 months, per Notebookcheck

Skip it if:

  • Buyers who want to add or swap RAM after purchase
  • Anyone needing several network ports for router or firewall use
  • Home lab users who need published idle power figures before buying
Read the full Apple Mac mini (M6) review ›

BOSGAME E2Air Mini PC Ryzen 5 3501U

  • + Four cores and eight threads with Vega 8 graphics
  • + Two HDMI 2.0 ports plus USB-C video output
  • + RAM can grow to 32GB through the SODIMM slot
  • − Single Gigabit Ethernet port is the only wired option listed
  • − No USB4, Thunderbolt or OCuLink listed
  • − Warranty length conflicts between manufacturer and retailer

Skip it if:

  • Homelabbers who need 2.5GbE, 10GbE or multiple network ports
  • Buyers who want to run several virtual machines or need lots of local storage
  • Anyone who needs USB4, Thunderbolt or OCuLink for fast external devices
Read the full BOSGAME E2Air Mini PC Ryzen 5 3501U review ›

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